A highly adaptable species, the Great Blue Heron is known throughout North America.  Standing at around four to five feet tall with a wing span of nearly six feet, It is pure grace.  In flight it is magnificent  from the moment of slow motion liftoff with wings that make little sound.  In hunting it is patient, with keen eyes, quietly adjusting its steps,  then with a blink striking its prey with precision.  Though often  solitary, the Great Blue Heron becomes social during nesting season where it raises its’ young in colonies, called ‘rookeries” or “heronries”.  After courtship the male gathers nesting materials, the female builds the nest, both parents raise their young.